|
Summit
Seekers was born out of a dream for a life of significance,
Ron's Legacy
Ray
Book, Summit Seekers Founder writes:
After I read Bob Buford’s book
“Halftime” in 1996, I pondered life in the second half of my life.
His message hit me right between the
eyes as I reviewed my 55 year life to date and thought about retirement
in four years. I had the financial resources to retire, but what was my
life to be about?
My career had been based on the
traditional “success” paradigm. I had climbed part way up the corporate
ladder, receiving the increased financial rewards that come from
increasing effectiveness, contribution, responsibility and influence.
The death of my son and only child in
1989 had caused me to begin asking questions about the meaning and
purpose of life. Ron was born with a genetic disease, Cystic Fibrosis,
and was destined to die young. He lived to be almost 27 years old, but
that still wasn’t half a life. Ron wasn’t able to fulfill his dreams. As
I searched for meaning and purpose in life, I committed to make Ron’s
life worth something by finding more significance in my own life.
The question I pondered with great
meditation: “What will I do when I retire?” The Summit Seekers name and
logo came as the answer in a vision dream of my life story.
The Dream
I lived the adventure of life climbing
the corporate ladder, one rung at a time. I found myself long into the
climb, pausing to look at the forest below. I saw dead trees around me
and noticed that all the trees were dying. Holding tight on the
ladder, I raised my sight to the distant mountains high above the
valley. I saw an eagle soar. The mountains glistened from the shining
sun and I was attracted to the brilliant light. Suddenly I was aware my
ladder wouldn’t take me there. I sensed a higher call “Come and seek
me.” In that defining moment I knew I had to climb that mountain. The
summit, the eagle and the sun - they were metaphors for my life
fulfillment, my destiny.
This defining moment led to a turning
point in my life- a decision to get off the ladder and to become a
Summit Seeker, committed to live the fulfillment of my life dreams and
Ron’s dreams. I began with a daily affirmation: “I have two lives to
live – the fulfillment of Ron’s Dreams, as well as my own.”
Upon retirement of one career in March,
2000, Summit Seekers Foundation was born to launch a significant second
career. The 35 year career with Procter and Gamble had given me
experiences in sales, marketing, recruiting, training, logistics and
customer service. How could I use my God given gifts, talents and life
experiences to pursue my passions and Ron’s dreams?
Summit Seekers mission is to role model,
mentor and teach life fulfillment in “healthy living, healthy giving”–
to help others discover their unique life purpose so that they live each
day with confidence in their destiny.
|